5.3 Academic Integrity Policy
Introduction
As a part of the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), the Online Prerequisites Program is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, including academic integrity and intellectual honesty. Faculty students, and staff are all held to these principles to maintain a strong and ethical academic community.
All students at the IHP, including those enrolled in the Online Prerequisites Program, must adhere to the Institute’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Community members are expected to report violations of this policy as they witness or are made aware of them. If you are aware of any violations, you are expected to submit an Academic and Conduct Report Form.
Academic Integrity Standards
All students in the program must uphold the standards of academic integrity as defined in Article II, Section 1 of the Institute’s Academic Integrity Policy (link again to policy). Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for the honesty and integrity of their own academic work, including applications for admission, financial aid, in addition to any group or collaborative academic or clinical work attributed to them that is submitted for academic evaluation or credit in an academic course or program of study.
In addition to the Institute’s Academic Integrity policy, students are expected to act in a manner in line with the Program Values.
Students should also refer to the following policies for additional standards of behavior related to Academic Integrity.
5.6 Artificial Intelligence Utilization Policy
Academic Integrity Procedures
A. Informal Resolutions
Faculty and administrators aim to address minor academic integrity issues informally when appropriate. Informal resolutions are designed to provide students with feedback and guidance to improve, rather than imposing punitive measures. For the first offense of academic misconduct, Institute faculty or administrators will issue an email warning to a student. Repercussions of these offenses may include required remediation and/or a grade penalty up to and including a failing grade in the course.
• Reporting Informal Resolutions: Faculty or administrators must report informal resolutions to a student’s Team Lead.Team Leads will be responsible for maintaining record of informal resolutions. Repeated informal violations may result in formal action.
• Documentation: Informal resolutions will not be added to a student’s permanent academic file but will be recorded to track patterns of behavior.
B. Formal Resolutions
Formal resolution is pursued when:
1. A pattern of violations exists.
2. The breach in conduct is severe.
Formal resolutions will follow the Academic and Disciplinary Action Policy and procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy.
1. Hearing Committee
Formal resolutions will be heard by a Hearing Committee. The hearing committee will consist of the Team Lead and other members of the Institute’s faculty. Hearings may be convened to determine whether a violation has occurred, to discern the seriousness of a violation, and/or to decide on a course of disciplinary actions. Hearings will generally occur within 2 weeks of a violation being reported. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Committee will make a recommendation of sanctions to the Program Director. The Program Director will send written notification of the decision to the student, with the Team Lead cc’ed.
2. Sanctions
Sanctions for violations that are resolved through the formal resolution process will be in accordance with those outlined in the Institute’s Academic Integrity Policy. Repercussions of these offenses may include a hearing, required remediation, a grade penalty up to and including a failing grade in the course, suspension from the prerequisites program, and/or dismissal from the MGH IHP.
C. Appeals
Students who wish to appeal decisions made through the Academic Integrity process should refer to the SHRS appeals policy.